- German nationalism was divided at the end of the Second World War as a result of the division of areas to be administrated and controlled by the British, French, Americans and Soviets. As a result of ideologies of the controlling countries, naturally the three areas controlled by Western Democracies would grow closer due to a shared ideological methodology. This further divided German nationalism as it created a pro-democratic Western Germany, and a Soviet controlled Communist Eastern Germany. This mentality manifested itself into a western vs eastern nationalism, which was the reason for the Cold War between the West allies and the Communist bloc. - Interpretation of the George Friedman quotation: In the immediate years following the Second …show more content…
This promotes an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality, which is amplified in European affairs as the various countries have had such strenuous relationships in the past (due to war’s/betrayals in the past[these countries have been around for a long time]) - Nationalism is perhaps derived in part from biological racism, which is using science (specifically biology) to support or justify beliefs in racism, racial inferiority, racial superiority, or the classifying of individuals into races. Nationalism doesn’t necessarily divide individuals based on race, but divides by nationality (what nation you are from/live in) - Institutions or the historical methodological approach of institutionalism, has value when applied to nationalism. Institutions themselves naturally promote a national identity that people identify …show more content…
The pro-democratic countries didn’t want to dominate Germany, they want to de-Nazifily the institutions and ideologies of the people, instill western principles and then allow Germany to govern itself again. Soon realizing that deNazification was a near impossible task, they gradually lessened control and gave it to the government of Germany to preside over. However the USSR didn’t attempt to lessen control of the Eastern part of Germany they controlled, the dominated all aspects of life. The Government had no real authority, only taking directives from Moscow. They forced communism onto the German population, giving no choice to the Germans. They had stiff laws to limit any German that might resist. Therefore in communist controlled East Germany the Nationalism that formed was vastly different from the Western nationalism. In Eastern Germany, they had a virtually non existent national identity, they were subjugated and every aspect of their lives were controlled. They had a very defeated national outlook, as the Russians blamed them and they would be forced to accept the blame. IN West Germany a limited nationalism was allowed to prosper, the German people were allowed to identify with their cultures and practices, as these aspects weren’t removed by the
There were a number of events that occurred before eventually resulting in the reunification of Germany in 1871. The first steps towards the unification of Germany began in 1814 after the downfall of Napoleon’s ‘Rheinbund’ this began the period of restoration, where princes and knights etc. reclaimed their political control over their territory that they had under the old ‘Reich’ before 1789 (Mark Allinson, 2002).
... US and the British zones joined to become the Bizonia, shortly after, Bizonia and the French quarter launch a common currency, the Deutsche Mark. On the other hand, the soviet side of Germany had communist influences and was the complete opposite from the other parts, that’s the reason of the 1948 Berlin Blockade. Later on, the rising of the Berlin Wall in 1961 was an anti-fascist barrier, as they thought the west hadn’t been completely de-nazified. Nevertheless, ever since the demolition of the wall Germany has become one of the global powers and an example of stability and organization.
There are two kinds of nationalism. There were the early forms of nationalism, where people of a similar race and nationality wanted a nation to themselves.
19th century European politics saw the creation of countries and the forging of alliances that are still relevant today. However, the latter part of the 19th century was dominated by one powerful force: nationalism. This force was especially present in Germany, and when the German people demanded to be unified under one flag, Otto von Bismarck answered the call. By single-handedly unifying the German states, Otto von Bismarck secured his place as one of the greatest contemporary European statesmen.
Many basic descriptions of what nationalism is exist, and defining precisely what nationalism means is not an easy task. This is in large part because the causes and effects of nationalism greatly varies from social context to social context, as the concrete social reality determines the specific shape and character that the nationalism idea takes when it comes to hold a large part of the consciousness of a society (I say the ‘nationalism idea’ for I feel that nationalism is, primarily, in the realm of the ideological). Put more succinctly “Nationalism can be, and has been, democratic and authoritarian, forward-looking or backward-looking, socialist or reactionary” (Kamenka 1976: 3).
In the world of the twentieth century there was an increased change towards a sense of nationalism in many countries around the world. There was a big change during this time because of the changes made during both World Wars and the effects of what happened after them. Looking at the world from the end of World War I and the end of World War II there is an immediate difference between the two worlds. From 1919 to 1945 there was a difference in not only how people acted but there was a difference in the way that situations were handled between different countries. The country relations were different from 1919 to 1945 because many of the leaders of each country felt differently at the end of each war.
For Germany, they thought that a unified state would help secure personal liberties of its citizens and could keep them protected. The middle and working class were at this time united under a common goal of removing the conservative elite, but each class had very different reasons for wanting to achieve that goal. When the moment came in the revolutions of 1848 where Germany failed to become unified, the cause was the slow moving middle class and division within the working class that can explain why Germany went back to a conservative monarchy.
One reason why nationalism is harmful is that it encourages simplistic thinking. In Notes on Nationalism, George Orwell called nationalism “the habit of assuming that human beings can be classified like insects and that whole blocks of millions or tens of millions of people can be confidently labeled ‘good’ or ‘bad’” (1). As Orwell said, nationalism puts things in black and white terms of “good” and “bad.” One’s own nation, or way of life in general, is viewed as the “good,” while anything different is viewed as “bad.” This is a leading cause of discrimination and bigotry, as will be discussed later, and is therefore harmful to a world consisting largely of diverse religions, races, ethnicities, beliefs, and
Nationalism has a long history although most scholarly research on Nationalism only began in the mid-twentieth century. Some scholars point to the French Revolution of 1789 as the birth of Nationalism. The French Revolution is seen...
The rise of National Socialism in post-WWI Germany is an understandable reaction to the problems of the Versailles Peace Treaty, considering the German attitudes and beliefs at the time. These attitudes and beliefs were the result of generations of Prussian militarism, extreme racist nationalism, and, most importantly, the failure of the Treaty of Versailles signed in June of 1919. The rise of the Nazi party, and their extremist National Socialist doctrine appealed directly to these attitudes and beliefs that permeated Germany society after the first World War.
The division of Germany into West Germany and East Germany emerged as a stopgap solution for the woeful state of the nation following its defeat in the Second World War. With the United States (US) ultimately gaining full control over West Germany, East Germany increasingly became alienated towards it, as it went under the influence of the Soviet Union (USSR). West Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), rapidly grew into one of the most politically and economically influential nations in Europe representing the democratic interests of the US in the region, while East Germany, officially the German Democratic Republic (GDR), went seemingly the other way. East Germans became increasingly disillusioned by the way their politicians have promoted communism in the GDR, characterized by oppressive measures and sheer inequality in living standards. The Stasi, the secret police unit of the GDR, closely monitored East Germans and purged those who are suspected or proven dissidents, while politicians of the nation enjoyed living standards that are way superior compared to the average East German. West Germans, on the other hand, enjoyed the benefits of political and economic reforms brought forth by the democratic influence of the US. Therefore, discontentment among East Germans increased the prospect of unification of the FRG and GDR – an issue that was never written off in consideration, only further complicated by political differences. Nevertheless, eventual unification of the FRG and GDR following the symbolic collapse of the Berlin Wall did not completely result to favorable circumstances, as problems that continued to alienate matters between the Western and Eastern sections of Germany remain unresolved (Brockman ...
Nationalism is being patriotic towards one’s own country. It took place in the nineteenth century to those people who shared a language, history and culture. Nationalism led to creation of new powers, which are Italy and Germany. As these countries became united and stronger, they created war against other countries.
After World War Two ended, Germany was in a horrible state. America would fly in all kinds of supplies on an average of one plane every three minutes. America, Great Britain, and France created three zones with democratic governments in Germany. In every zone, officials would work to help govern and re-build. In Russia, the Soviet Union also wanted a piece of Germany. The Soviet Union was an extreme communist government, and they had a dictator named Joseph Stalin. In 1947, the Soviet Union began to take control of Germany. They took control of about half of Germany, including half of Berlin. West Germany not only relied on East Germany for economic supplies and aid, but the East also relied on West Germany. On June 23, 1948 Stalin ordered that all land routes into Berlin from the west be cut off .This was known as the German blockade. However, in less than a year later Stalin ended the blockade because he wasn’t able to push the Western Governments out of Germany. Now that the Western Side of Germany was under control of the West, they became the Democratic Federal Republic of Germany, otherwise kn...
Previously to 1815 in central Europe, Germany consisted of 39 independent states, belonging to the Holy Roman Empire, which shared the same culture and language. In 1806 there was a shift in power as Napoleon I destroyed the Holy Roman Empire and 17 states were placed under direct French control in the Confederation of the Rhine. However, Prussia was determined to regain its position as the leading German state and in an alliance with Russia and Austria, Napoleon was defeated in 1814. In 1815, after Napoleon’s defeat, the Austrian Empire replaced the French control that was previously in place leading to the formation of the German Confederation. In 1862, Otto von Bismarck was appointed Minister President of Prussia to strengthen Prussia’s position above Austria and to further strengthen their position within Europe. During Bismarck’s politically active years, 1862-1890, he devised a plan to unify the German states and it is argued that the wars in Germany within the years 1860 and 1871 were the main cause of German unification. Nevertheless, it can also be argued that Otto von Bismarck’s personality, diplomacy and aims, the economy, the revolutions of 1848, the role of others and the emergence of Liberalism also played a role in the unifying the German states.
Nationalism is self identification with one’s country. Nationalism is similar to religion in that it gives a person their self worth and sense of community. One source describe nationalism as as a bond and “awareness shared by a group” who feel “attached to not only the land, but also the culture, language, and history the people share (Brown). Nationalism is accompanied by loyalty and devotion of the people to a nation. Nationalist find great gratification in their history and traditions. With this sometimes comes the feeling that their nation is special and set apart from other nations, creating an atmosphere of superiority. Furthermore, through out history, the idea of nationalism has been the driving force behind those wanting to overthrow governments that are thought to be oppressive